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10 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Anders Ferrington to handle my divorce. I paid an initial retainer fee. He was extremely slow in responding to calls, text messages and e-mails and eventually stopped responding and I had to hire another attorney to handle my case. When he occasionally did return my calls he was very short with me. What "work" he did for me was extremely sloppy (typos, left out information that should have been included and forgot to remove info that was discussed to remove). I would NOT recommend him to anyone. He is very unprofessional and does not represent his clients well. He also talks about his clients on his Facebook page - I find this offensive and unprofessional. Don't waste your time on Anders Ferrington. Find a professional attorney.
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21 Feb, 2017 by Harold
I hired him for a divorce case. I gave him $1200 for retainer. After filing papers he stop answering emails and then blocked calls. Now I'm having to hire another lawyer to complete what I paid him for. Don't hire him if you need an actual lawyer.
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09 Jan, 2017 by Victoria
We signed a contract with Ferrington for legal services with a retainer of $750, which we paid in advance. The only thing he did was establish that he was our lawyer with the corporation we were required to negotiate a contract with (Entergy easement). He did NOTHING else, for 6 weeks. When I finally contacted him asking for the help we'd paid for, he stated that he'd sent a letter to the corporation but it must have been "lost in the mail." A few more phone calls and he then sent me a hastily prepared letter that was full of typos, grammar problems, and material misrepresentation of the facts, which I rejected. We wound up negotiating with the corporation ourselves, which was a burden and not in our best interest, but we could not afford to pay another lawyer's retainer. Ferrington agreed in emails and in phone calls to refund our money, but never sent a check, at one point claiming he had sent a check but it must have been "lost in the mail". He is an unprofessional lawyer who did not represent our best interests and admits he owes a refund, which he refuses to pay.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Tyler charged my son $3500 to represent him in Justice court! TOLD us we are gonna let Justice court judge find him guilty and appeal it to a higher court that new the laws about evidence and what was and wasn’t admissible! ! All EVIDENCE he had I GAVE him! We went to court and he did NOT use the evidence , did not put my son on the stand, let the judge find him guilty and then said he was filing an appeal! Well, NOW I’m told this incompetent dingleberry has failed to file an appeal on time and that’s IT ! Tough!!! Now , I’m hearing of others he’s scammed out of their money and won’t return their calls !!His assistant Lori is just as unprofessional.. she HUNG up on me when I called to discuss the matter!
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12 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
He shot me straight. He was honest. He worked hard. I had my back against the wall, but we still did well.
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19 Jun, 2017 by Anthony
I hired Tyler in a civil/child custody matter and was deeply disappointed by his complete lack of professionalism and lack of honesty. Tyler conducted a video deposition and failed to record it properly, lying to me every time I requested a copy. He never took any initiative to actually prepare for our case and when we were in front of the judge, he came to the court empty-handed, forcing us to request a continuation. He finally wanted to file discovery only after the fact that we all looked like complete idiots inside the courtroom. When I called him to advise him that he would no longer be needed and to cease any work on my case, he tried to tell me that I owed him more money; however, after officially firing him and requesting a fee schedule from him, he failed to provide one. Attorneys like Tyler Shandy give all attorneys a bad reputation.
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11 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I have used John Windsor on several occasions when buying and selling real estate. He did a great job, and I could not have been happier with how his entire office treated me each and every time. I highly recommend using him!
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10 May, 2018 by Eddie
If you need to contact this lawyer, good luck. Lied to me about the date he’d get the notice in the paper and refused to explain why. Returned my check and claimed he was too busy to fill. My advice: find a competent and ethical lawyer.
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11 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I have had to run this lawyer down for information on my bankrupt case. he has refused to call me back on numerous occasional. I had to get the Bar ASSO involved at first. and this second time is not looking to good as well, But I would not recommend him to represent no one he is a poor excuse for a lawyer.
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26 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Harris handled a truck accident case for my family. He did an amazing job. We initially had a tv advertising lawyers who wanted us to settle for $250,000. We did not feel good about that and the lawyers terminated our contract. Our Pastor asked us to reach out to him. He took our case and we were able to settle it for $1.500,000.
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07 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
My mother hired him paid in full to this man. e can never get a hold to this man. he has filed no paperwork in my case its been over a year. I'm in the process of firing this man before I lose my case
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18 Jun, 2020 by Robert
Mr. Harris agreed to file a case for me. However, due to his delay, the time for filing expired. He was very unprofessional and unaware of the law. Very disappointing. He is not recommended.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Yaseen lewis
Completely sad no words
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09 Apr, 2024 by Summer stoudt
Beware. Like several other posted, I was referred to this attorney via LegalEase by way of my employer’s EAP. When I spoke to him, he acted like I was bothering him. He told me to email him and he would get back to me. I stressed that time is an issue as I was served with legal papers and had 3 weeks to respond. I emailed him and he didn’t answer me. Three days later I emailed again. Nothing. I called. He didn’t call me back. I called and emailed again. No response. After 2 weeks, I went looking for another attorney who was very nice and helped me immediately.
If Mr. Bullen is so busy that he can’t respond, then why does he keep accepting these referrals? Legal Ease told me they spoke to him and he willingly accepted the referral for my case. Why? If you aren’t going to do your job then don’t take the referral. I shared my awful experience with Legal Ease. Hopefully they will deactivate him in their system and stop sending him business as he is clearly incompetent. If people are calling you so they can put money in your pocket, it may benefit you to possibly refrain from treating them like they’re a bother. As if your time is so much more valuable than anyone else’s.
No wonder he has so many Legal Ease referrals. He can’t get business from anyone who is actually aware of his reputation.
Beware. This guy is a clown. 🤡
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14 Mar, 2024 by Asein rousell
I was just assigned Lamar through LegalLease. Within the first five minutes of the call I knew he was horrible. He doesn’t communicate well and comes across like you are bothering him. Don’t waste your time. All the reviews seem to share the same sentiment.
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02 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Still have issues with problems that was from worker’s comp injury no help with pain medication no help with seeing other dr. Seems all they was after was a fast settlement and move to next client no help at all
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01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
ALL THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE 100% CORRECT. TALKS REAL BIG AT FIRST THEN WHEN IT COMES TIME TO TAKE ACTION COMPLETELY CHANGES HER STORY AND THEN TELLS YOU OTHER THINGS. LIES ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO GET A HOLD OF THE OTHER ATTORNEY AND JUST WANTS TO RUN UP YOUR BILL. FIRED HER AFTER 1 MONTH .
DONT KNOW HOW SHE IS STILL IN BUSINESS
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09 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Specifically for me, hiring this attorney was my worst night mare! She told me what she could do for me, but it was the exact opposite of what she said. After court, she told me to sign a form that I did not complete. I never got a chance to see what was on the form. She said that she would complete it and turn it in. When she was asked for my court transcript, she stated that it was misplaced during her office move. She is deceitful. She did not give me all the receipts for monies paid for her service, claimed she did not know where her receipt book was. Her practice is moral turpitude.
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22 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
PLEASE do not hire this attorney. She acts like a teenager as far as sitting in the court room and giggling and gossipping. She told my opponents lawyer out ENTIRE CASE which allowed them to plow over us. Please, hire anyone else. You can tell by taking to her how inexperienced, inarticulate and just bad she is. I'm sorry but please save your money.
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16 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
In 2013, my son was injured during surgery and I needed a malpractice attorney. My uncle referred me to Dennis Charles Sweet III because they are friends. Dennis Sweet got my son's medical records and took them to his expert. It took him 5 months to get back to me about the records. He never returned my calls or emails. The lawsuit has been filed and we are waiting on a settlement. I feel like you need to treat people you serve with the same amount of respect you want. He is very smart but needs better communication skills.
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07 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
He represented me about a year ago. He did not keep me informed in a timely manner. He does not return calls or emails. At times, he seemed impossible to reach. He knows the laws, but he needs to work on customer service.
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07 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Dennis Sweet III represented me in a personal injury case in 2010. Although he won my case, the entire experience was a nightmare. He did not keep me informed. He was not very responsive. He did get me a satisfactory settlement against the hospital, but I just wish my overall experience with this lawyer had been better. Treating your client with kindness and respect goes a long way, a very long way. It's not just about winning the case, it's about being considerate of your client and their needs. Your clients are a form of advertisement. If you treat them right, they will recommend you to others and even return to you if they ever find themselves in need of legal help again.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
I'd give zero stars if I could. He didn't even show up to court. The guy from the firm that did show, was unprepared and an embarrassment. They still charged me their full fee.
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24 Oct, 2023 by David
He is a thief. you will lose your money. I DO NOT RECOMMEND HIM FOR ANY KIND OF LEGAL MATTER!!!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I was doing research hoping to find a lawyer to hire. I was trying to find a local lawyer and Kelvin Pulley's name appeared in my searches. Doing my due diligence, I investigated his cases to determine if he was a suitable fit for my situation and I was so glad I did! I noticed his wording on filed documents was less than professional but more importantly I discovered that he had been sanctioned for not doing his job. He was representing a client and ignored orders to submit additional papers TWICE. The judge in the case sanctioned him and ordered him to complete two CLE courses. This information is found in the Court Docket of Judge Aycock on November 8, 2023 :
"Recognizing Plaintiff's counsel's complete failure to comply with a basic directive from this Court (on two occasions), the Court finds a sanction to be warranted. Therefore, Plaintiff's counsel is hereby ORDERED to complete two continuing legal education (“CLE”) courses regarding his duty to the courts. The courses may be found at msbar.fastcle.com under Young Lawyers Division → Duty to the Courts. Plaintiff's counsel is instructed to complete the courses titled “Tips for Avoiding Running Afoul of the Court” and “A View from the Inside: What the Courts Expect of Attorneys.” Counsel shall complete the courses within fourteen (14) days of today's date. Counsel is further instructed to send certificates of completion of those two courses to
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26 Apr, 2020 by Jackie
On March 2, 2020, I entered into an oral contract with Mr. Pulley. He charged $650 dollars to represent me on 2 distributing the peace charges. He stated that I could pay him $400 and the remaining $250 balance would not be required if I lost my cases. I handed him a $400 dollar check and two large brown vanilla folders. One folder contained affidavits, summons, and confidential personal information. The other folder contained a handwritten timeline that included attached emails and attached handwritten corresponding notes. Attorney Pulley stated, "Um not like a lot of lawyers who take your money and you never hear from them. Hear, um gonna give you my cellphone number." He then called my phone. As I was leaving, Pulley stated that he was taking his daughter on vacation and that he would be out of the office the rest of the week. On March 9, 2020, I text Attorney Pulley stating that I had the video converted to a DVD. No reply. On March 12, 2020, I text Attorney Pulley asking him, "Are we still on?" No reply. My court date was March 19, 2020. On March 14, 2020, I called Attorney Pulley's phone number 2 times. His answering service recorded the calls. He did not reply. On March 16, 2020, I text Attorney Pulley informing him that I would be terminating his legal services. He replied and sat the time of 1 p.m. on March 17, 2020 for me to meet him at his office. On March 17, 2020, at 12:50 p.m., I tried to open Attorney Pulley's door. It was locked. I reentered my vehicle and called Attorney Pulley. No answer. That is when I noticed his 10:56 a.m. text stating, he had to rush his daughter to the hospital and desiring to rescheduled our meeting to Wednesday and "I have all of your information as well at my home to review for our meeting tomorrow morning." I text him saying, "Just got your text message. I am at your office." We exchanged several messages. I terminated his services and asked him to refund my $400 and my documents. He said he would; he did not. I sent him a certified mail threatening to file civil charges against him for my money and the return of my documents. He said I would have it on March 24, 2020. Did not happen. On March 31, 2020, he overnighted my money but not my documents. On April 7, 2020 @ 7:47 p.m. he text "You should have documents tomorrow." He lied. On April 10, 2020 @ 8:43 a.m., he text "There was a mistake in that I put the wrong zip code. I have the papers back. I can leave your papers in my mailbox at my office for you, or I can resend them today." Because I was at work; I replied, "At work. Resend." He lied. On April 22,2020 @ 12:57 p.m., he texted "Your documents were overnighted by mail today. Check your PO Box tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. Due to the Coronavirus, I have not been to my office as I didn't want to endanger my elderly grandmother who I help to take care for. He lied. Prior to this last lie, I contacted Mississippi Bar Association. Attorney Pulley informed them that he had mailed my documents. On April 24, 2020, @ 6:40 p.m., I emailed Attorney Pulley. I asked him to provide me with the tracking number. He did not reply. All of the messages that we exchanged are on my phone and my computer. If Attorney Pulley mailed my documents as he informed Mississippi Bar Association; where is his proof. In his April 22, 2020 text, he stated he was overnighting the documents. If he did that, he would have been provided a receipt. This is an honest summary of my dealing with Attorney Pulley. You decide which of the two of us is lying.
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03 Mar, 2022 by Brandi
This woman is down right rude and mean, I had a consultation with her for my CPS case she stated she would represent me but not my fiance, she also told me if I didn't have enough money to get a hair follicle test then I don't have the money to pay her.
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26 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I went in her office and of corse every time she’s fighting with her secretaries. I went a couple of times. You cannot understand anything she says. In court they had to keep asking her to speak right. So she asked my children a couple of questions. Charged me $2500, and then called me a few weeks later yelling at me and telling me I was high and that I was high in court. My ex husband paid her off is what I’m thinking. She’s an alcoholic and I don’t have my kids. I can’t even speak to my kids. Not because of the judge but because my ex husband can pay anyone off.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
He's a sell out, he is the D.A's pet. He seems to have no trial experience, he stutters in court and he's not articulate at all. Lack preparation and he's so out of touch with the laws
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28 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Takes bribes, he’s not a good trial lawyer maybe better for taking deals, during trial he has limited use of case law and he’s come back are very weak. Not recommended, poor performance
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29 Jul, 2014 by Sheilasmith
I am a former client of Maria Cobb. I wrote an honest, truthful and complete review and submitted it. AVVO would not post it. I believe because of pressure from Ms. Cobb's employer, Rushing & Guice PLLC in Ocean Springs. Let AVVO 's rating system speak for itself.
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24 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Never returns phone calls or email requests for updates, procrastinates, my case still not resolved after a year. Too expensive to start over.
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07 Dec, 2015 by Andrea fort
I would not advise anyone to use this firm when attempting to obtain a land title search! My husband and I used them and it was nearly took an act of congress to get it completed. Gratz & Gratz revived out paper work on November 10,2015 and as of December 7,2015 we still do not have our title search. Keep in mind this is a 24 hour at best 72 hour process! Each and everytime I called I received more and more false hope. I will not recommend this company at all. I wish I had taken my business else where sooner!
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19 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Dukes was hired in a criminal matter based on a recommendation from a non-criminal practicing attorney. He charged $10,000 up front to take the case. He did little or nothing but look at some of the evidence one time, then drug the case out for an eternity with continuances,over two years. He then cut a deal I was unaware of with the District Attorney, apparently while negotiating other deals simultaneously, and told me to plead guilty. I responded that he made me feel as if though I did not have a choice and he responded "ya right, ya don't". I fired Mr. Dukes and hired another attorney, at half what Mr. Dukes was paid, who reached an amicable resolution of the case. Mr. Dukes reputation is based on some successful cases he tried and won in the 60s. I do not believe he has tried a case in years and it is my personal belief he "horse trades" his client's pleas.
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29 Mar, 2015 by Jose
Hired bickham for a case. Promised me one thing, and showed no interest in my case. Bickham would constantly tell me the judge was racist and that it was going to be hard. keisha, his paralegal didn't do anything to keep me informed. I would call them but no answer. I would call privately and they would answer but as soon as they new it was me they were quick to rush me off the phone nothing was done to keep his side of the deal but was quick to befriend the opposing attorney and soon after let my case go.
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09 May, 2022 by Kenneth
Tyler Kent represented me in an automobile injury case that was clearly open and shut. The accident affected every area of my life. In August2018 we went to arbitration to avoid trial which could have been easily won. He told me that I wasn't obligated to pay any liens granted other attorneys against the settlement if I settled in arbitration I could pay those debts as I saw fit. So when the settlement check came Tyler carved out an extra large portion for himself - not even allowing me expenses to get to the arbitration or allowing for bills to the doctors in the case and then carved up the balance to other lawyers. I would have never taken the settlement by arbitration had he told me otherwise, he knew that, and outright lied to me to get me to accept the settlement. He never found me the medical care he promised and I would advise avoiding Tyler Kent at all costs.
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28 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired tyler for my lawyer for divorce and they said 60 days until it would be complete it now has almost been 90 days. I would not recommend this lawyer to anyone. Also the secretary was rude when I called and asked about it!!!
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10 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Don't hire this lawyer. He told us that he filed a motion. Then 2 weeks later, he tells us there is no motion to be filed. We ended up firing him , and hired a another lawyer who filed a motion the same day that he was hired. He yelled at us for calling him out on lying to us. Nevertheless we asked for our retainer back and he ended up charging us for time that he never spent on a case. For example, he did`t even have the police report and failed to advise us of our rights that we could change our please within 30 days. He is a DA and spread to thin. This was an awful experience.
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02 Oct, 2018 by Josh
This attorney was recommended by a judge from my county. 6 attorneys were interviewed and he was determined to be the best and most expensive.
I was in jail for 7.5 months before attorney obtained first plea offer.
I had not had a preliminary hearing, bond reduction nor indictment in this time. Attorney stated that if I didn't take this plea I could be held for 2 years. I believe they would have done that to me, but in no way is that legal anywhere in the United States. So I took the plea just to get out of jail. I am not a criminal and had never spent more than one day in jail prior. Jail was a living hell and I was eager to get out. It was very violent so of course I took the first opportunity to end the nightmare. I've since learned that I should have been released and charges dropped after 2 weeks passed without a preliminary hearing. This attorney showed no interest in protecting my civil rights.
The plea was for a judicated felony. It was my first felony. That was not mentioned during my plea. However it was for the other person who plead that day. That defendant got a non-judicated felony (expungable upon completion of probation).
The judge who convicted me is friends with the so called victim. The same victim, who the judge forbade me to contact, called me 4 times post conviction. He told police the calls were accidental. I informed this attorney who advised me not to tell anyone.
This happened in Forrest County, MS. I am not from there nor am I from Mississippi. Attorney was asked it I might fair better in a different county. He said it would be worse. I can't imagine getting a less fair deal than being convicted of a felony I didn't commit by a judge who is friends with the person making the charge.
I can support all of this with documentation. This attorney has nullified approximately $200K in education and a lifetime of experience. Because of this conviction my employment opportunities are non-existent. I am posting this to warn others. Has something like this been made available to me, I would not have hired him. I do this as a public service and am willing to share evidence of these claims with AVVO or anyone interested.
There is much more but for brevity I will stop here.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Atty. Fraser failed to do any type of investigation on my divorce case. Neither did he file a Motion for me to receive back support or to get my attorney fees paid as he agreed to do.
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15 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Very disappointed in the services rendered. This attorney does not update in a consistent nor timely manner. The settlement I received was inadequate, as people usually receive more money for far less inconvenience than I experienced. I would not recommend his services if you at the very least expect to get a dollar amount that matches the worth of your situation.
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15 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Takes criminal cases in which he is totally overwhelmed. Delays and delays but never actually works on case. Offers nothing. After 2 years "on the case" was not even able to get less than what was originally offered despite files of evidence I had to provide myself.
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26 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney and have him my money, never was able to get back in touch with him again then he finally contacted me the day before my trial and said he needed 3500.00 more to stay on my case then resigned without me get a hearing
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02 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Had him as my Child custody. Worst lawyer. Went in and had no idea what he was doing. Had to get another attorney to undo what a mess he made.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Michael
This attorney took our case and we signed a contract. He would not answer or return our calls for months. Then we got creative when we were prompted if we were and existing client or new client, we hit new client and he answered immediately, then he proceeded to lie to me and told me he could not get in touch with me, and closed our case even though he had our new address, phone number and email address. He said he sent a letter. We never got it. He didn't even try and email me or call. After 1 yr he did absolutely nothing on my case. Lack of integrity and dishonest. If your case is important to you, look elsewhere because it is not important to him. We are filing a complaint with the board and the BBB. He really let my family down.
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16 Jan, 2022 by Jody giveans
We hired him to do a medical malpractice lawsuit and in our initial consult we were told it would be pro bono. He would not contact us unless we continued him. He constantly ignored us concerning our case. When we finally contacted him after 4-5 months of ignoring us he informed us we didn’t have a winnable case and handed us a bill for his service. When we stated to him he said it was pro bono he denied Rhodes words. He hounded us for the money so we paid him to make him go away. He was not very receptive of what we were explaining to him so we had to explain it as if he was a child no mater how many times we told him about our case he wasn’t comprehending. He would look at us dumbfounded and would repeat what he thought we were saying and we had to repeat everything again. If you are considering using this attorney please move on. We do not want to see you go through what we did. He called my husband by 4 different names in one meeting.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Was incredibly rude, refused to help and hung up on me. I will not recommend his services to anyone who needs help.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:
- Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
- Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
- Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
- Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
- Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
- Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
- File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
- Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:
- Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
- Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
- No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.
Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:
- Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
- Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.
While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.
Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:
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What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award. -
How long will my case take?
While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. -
How often do you take cases to trial?
Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.
How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
- Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
- Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
- Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:
- Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
- Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
- Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
- Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.
By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.
